412th Medical Group wins 2012 USAF-level award

  • Published
  • By Jet Fabara
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Every year the Air Force selects individuals and teams from medical facilities all across the Air Force competing in the Air Force Medical Service Annual Award competition. This year the 412th Medical Group took a very distinct honor in that competition.

The AFMS announced in February that the 412th MDG team was awarded for being the 2012 Biomedical Sciences Corps Category I Team of the Year at the Air Force-level.

"This award recognizes the contributions of our team and their significant contributions and accomplishments related to excellence in mission support and stellar customer service. This includes the exceptional work we do in patient care, as well in assisting the base through various inspections throughout the base to include water sampling, food safety, and much more," said Lt. Col. Tracy Neal-Walden, 412th Medical Operations Squadron commander. Our BSCs truly keep the mission running and our population healthy."

According to Neal-Walden, BSCs are comprised of 18 distinct career fields of which Edwards has 10 of those specialties. The 10 career fields which represent the team at Edwards are comprised of officers and enlisted members in the following career fields: Aerospace Physiology, Biomedical Laboratory, Bioenvironmental Engineering, Clinical Psychology, Clinical Social Work, Optometry, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, and Public Health.

"There are 75 military treatment facilities across the Air Force that are eligible to complete in Category I or II," Neal-Walden said. "Clinics compete in category I. Air Force hospitals, medical centers, or medical wings compete in Category II."

In addition to this award, the 412th MDG previously took awards in the Air Force Materiel Command categories leading up to this announcement. Lt. Col. Tiffany Morgan won the AFMC Biomedical Specialist Category I Officer of the Year award and Maj. Tirsit Brooks won the AFMC Biomedical Clinician Category I Officer of the Year award.

"Overall, we are proud to be recognized for our outstanding performance at both the major command- and AF-levels. While we have won numerous BSC awards in the past at the major command level, this is the first time that I am aware of our medical group winning this award," added Neal-Walden. "It is truly an honor to be recognized for the things we do every day to keep the mission going."

From March 11 to 15, the Air Force Medical Service will host the Inaugural BSC Appreciation Week across the Air Force. Brig. Gen. Michael Brewer, 412th Test Wing commander, will be kicking off the first day for the Edwards' BSCs with a Lunch and Learn at the 412th Aerospace Medicine Squadron pavilion from noon to 1:30 p.m. on March 11.